Over 20 employment agencies here say the entry test for maids is too hard, with a 70% pass rate at best

Maids awaiting the results of the entry test yesterday. They must pass the test before they can work here, and are given three tries, failing which they must leave Singapore. MOM says the test has helped to ensure that more mature and literate maids come here. -- ST PHOTO: WANG HUIFEN AT THE Grace Management Centre in Mountbatten, about 50 maids sit huddled in groups whilst they wait for the results of their entry test, some crying and shaking with nervousness. More than 20 employment agencies here say that the pass rate for the test is 70 per cent at best, and almost all maids, especially Indonesian maids, fail repeatedly. They ask for more emphasis to be put on hands-on training. Employers say that there is still a need for the test, albeit a new, easier version. Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times. [email protected] Additional reporting by Lim ...